HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc214-5W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that under the war-time pilot regulations many ships on the Thames are being entrusted to inexperienced pilots; that the pilots themselves were not adequately consulted about these regulations; that there is considerable discontent among the pilots about their operation; and whether he can review the whole matter?

Mr. Cross

I am informed by the Trinity House that ships in the Thames are not entrusted to inexperienced pilots, and that the modification made as a war measure in the employment of "choice" pilotage, which has caused some dissatisfaction on the part of a few former choice pilots, was necessary if the appointment of a considerable number of additional temporary pilots was to be avoided.